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Posted at 1:30 AM EST. Odds subject to change.

NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets, Game 1

Wager: Minnesota ML

7:10 PM EST. Maybe the most interesting series of the entire NBA playoffs will take place between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, two teams who have looked very even throughout the regular season. Believe it or not, not only have the Timberwolves ascended as a top team in the Western Conference, but when they faced off against the reigning champions they’ve looked even better. Minnesota matches up incredibly well against the size and physicality of their rival, something few other programs can say. Of course, Nikola Jokic is damn near unguardable when he’s leading Denver’s offense, especially when he needs to charge his team forward from a deficit, but the Minnesota defense has proven to be a worthwhile opponent.

The Timberwolves ended the regular season rated #1 defensively, and it showed in four games against their arch-enemy. In two wins, Minnesota held Denver under 100 points in each contest, 89 and 98 to be exact. When Denver finally defeated Minnesota, they were extremely close games. The Nuggets had to shoot outrageously well to compete with the amped-up Timberwolves, who have made it clear that they’re not in the least bit intimidated by last year’s title holders. Three time defensive MVP Rudy Gobert doesn’t make things easy for two time NBA MVP Nicole Jokic, although the dynamic Serbian has still scored plenty of points against the Frenchman. It’s how Gobert and the Minnesota defense affects the Nuggets, who are usually steady and unshaken, that’s really startling to watch. That starts with the young and hungry Anthony Edwards, who is quickly making a case that he’s the league's next mega-star.

Explosive physical ability, smooth, confident shot-making and a killer instinct to boot, it’s no coincidence that “ANT” draws constant comparisons to Michael Jordan. The former UGA guard dominated the star-studded Suns in the first round, amassing 124 points in 4 battles, good for an average of 31 points per game. But it’s his drive, his defense, and his remarkable leadership ability at such a young age that’s elevating the Timberwolves potential. Minnesota has plenty of veterans around Edwards, but it's the 22-year-old who’s getting in guys’ faces, urging the team to never let up and to continue their aggressive, perfectionistic style. The T-Wolves have all the ingredients to become a championship team. With Edwards playing at such an high level, that might be a reality sooner than many think.

It doesn’t hurt that the Nuggets haven’t been at their best in the postseason, just ask every color commentator who covered Denver in their first round against the Lakers. LAL led for about 3/4 of the series, but they just couldn’t find a way to overcome Jokic and Jamal Murray in the game’s final moments. Even more shocking, the champs never held a lead at the end of the first half, not once in five games. Jokic, Murray, and the elite team that the Nuggets have become found ways to counteract their flaws down the stretch, but that’s not a good sign heading into a series against the team like the Timberwolves. When Minnesota has a lead, they rarely give it up.

The Timberwolves seem intent on bringing back a 90s style of pro basketball, and it’s working. Game one is at Denver, that’s not ideal for the underdog, but the pressure is still on Jokic and the defending champions to land the first knockdown. No matter how the game starts, Minnesota is a dangerous team that repeatedly stomps on its opponents when they gain a lead. If the Nuggets start slow, like they have for an entire series prior, the T-Wolves will be at a supreme advantage, able to settle into their half-court defense and fend off Denver's best attempt to shrink margin. Either way, for the value, we'll gladly take a shot on a game one upset with a team that looks as fierce as any in the NBA playoffs.

Farley

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